Local governments which undertake redevelopment and revitalization efforts in certain older commercial and industrial areas can now qualify those areas for the state’s maximum job tax credit of $3,500 per job. The incentive, which is available for new or existing businesses that create two or more jobs, is a Job Tax Credit which can be taken against the business’s Georgia income tax liability and payroll withholding tax. The credit is available for areas designated by the Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA) as an Opportunity Zone. DCA will consider designations for areas that are within or adjacent to a census block group with 15 percent or greater poverty where an enterprise zone or urban redevelopment plan exists.

Opportunity Zone Tax Credit Incentives:

The maximum Job Tax Credit allowed under law – $3,500 per job created for 5 years

The lowest job creation threshold of any job tax credit program – two jobs

Use of Job Tax Credits against 100 percent of Georgia income tax liability and withholding tax

Provides for businesses of any nature to qualify, not just a defined "business enterprise"

How to apply for Opportunity Zone designation

Step 1: Check to confirm that your parcel is located within an Opportunity Zone

Gwinnett County has two county-sponsored Opportunity Zones:

The Gwinnett County OZ is located in the Gwinnett Village CID at the intersection of Interstate 85 and Jimmy Carter Boulevard adjacent to the City of Norcross. For a map of the area, click here.

The Gwinnett Place OZ is located in the Gwinnett Place CID at the intersection of Interstate 85 and Pleasant Hill Road near the City of Duluth. For a map of the area, click here.

Step 3: Complete Part One of the Opportunity Zone Certification form and return it to Robert Long at 446 West Crogan Street, Suite 150, Lawrenceville, GA 30046-2440. Once the OZ designation is verified, Part Two is completed and forwarded to the DCA for final approval. Questions can be directed to Mr. Long at 678-518-6212.